This week's new movie releases - Jan. 30, 2009

This week of movie releases is not necessarily one I'm looking forward too, but here's a quick look at what's on the menu this Friday: "New in Town" with Renee Zellweger, "Taken" with Liam Neeson and "The Uninvited" with Emily Browning, David Strathairn and Elizabeth Banks.

NEW IN TOWN

Synopsis: A Miami businesswoman (Renee Zellweger) is transferred to rural Minnesota, and while she is there she re-evaluates her big-city values.

First thoughts: Renee Zellweger cozying up to Harry Connick Jr. in a little, cold Minnesota town? Doesn't sound too exciting, now does it? While I admit Zellweger has a charm that's hard to resist, the trailer of "New in Town" makes her look like someone who'd probably get on my nerves after five minutes. But who knows... maybe this comedy does have some heart and soul. Bad news is it has recently been cut to fit a PG rating...

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THE UNINVITED

Synopsis: Anna returns home after spending time in the hospital following the tragic death of her mother. Her recovery suffers a setback when she discovers her father has become engaged to her mother's former nurse. That night, Anna is visited by her mother's ghost, who warns her of Rachel's intentions. Together, Anna and her sister try to convince their father that his current fiance is not who she pretends to be...

First thoughts: I personally think one bad horror movie per month is enough, but who cares what I think, right? The trailer for "The Uninvited" didn't win me over at all, and to be honest, the movie looks just like any other horror pic that lacks a good script and wastes too much time trying to scare people with those silly schock moments. As usual though, I'll definitely give the film a chance...

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TAKEN

Synopsis: Former government operative Bryan Mills begins the longest 96 hours of his life -- and the hunt for the fearsome organization that has taken his daughter Kim.

First thoughts: Judging only by the trailer, "Taken" looks interesting, although there is the risk that the film will play out just like any other standard revenge tale. That said, this is definitely the film I'm looking forward to most this weekend.